Introduction to Before It’s News
What Is “Before It’s News”?
“Before It’s News” is a user-driven content platform that has carved a controversial niche in the world of alternative news. It markets itself as a citizen journalism website, a digital town square where anyone can share their stories, experiences, or ideas without interference from traditional media gatekeepers. Established in the early 2010s, the platform quickly gained traction among readers who felt underserved or misrepresented by mainstream news outlets.
At its core, Before It’s News allows contributors to publish content without rigorous editorial oversight. This open model is both its strength and weakness. On one hand, it empowers voices that might never make it into corporate newsrooms. On the other hand, it opens the floodgates to unchecked information, conspiracy theories, and controversial takes that often border on the extreme.
Visitors to the site are greeted with a mishmash of headlines ranging from political exposés to end-times predictions, UFO sightings, secret government programs, and holistic health tips. This chaotic mix creates a space that’s both intriguing and deeply polarizing. Whether you’re a curious skeptic, a conspiracy enthusiast, or a truth-seeker, “Before It’s News” offers a buffet of stories that promise to reveal what “they” don’t want you to know.
The Mission and Vision of the Platform
The stated mission of Before It’s News is straightforward: to provide the public with access to news and information that mainstream media suppresses or ignores. The platform champions free speech, independent journalism, and the idea that every individual has the right to report on issues that matter to them.
This mission resonates with audiences who distrust conventional media narratives. The site promotes a philosophy that the truth isn’t always neat, and often lies hidden beneath layers of propaganda or corporate control. For many contributors and readers, Before It’s News serves as a platform for revealing that truth, no matter how inconvenient or controversial it may be.
However, this freedom comes at a cost. The lack of fact-checking and editorial standards means that misinformation can spread unchecked. Articles on the site often feature sensational headlines, emotionally charged language, and minimal citations. Critics argue that this approach fosters fear, confusion, and division rather than enlightenment.
Despite the backlash, Before It’s News maintains a loyal following. Its readers value the raw, unfiltered nature of the content and see it as a necessary counterbalance to what they perceive as sanitized or manipulated mainstream narratives.
Origins and Evolution
Who Founded Before It’s News?
Before It’s News was co-founded by Chris Kitze, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur with a background in technology and media. Kitze’s résumé includes ventures in internet startups and a stint as an executive at various digital enterprises. His vision for Before It’s News stemmed from a growing awareness of how centralized and controlled mainstream news had become, especially during times of political or social upheaval.
Kitze saw the internet not just as a tool for entertainment or commerce, but as a battlefield for truth. He believed that democratizing news could empower citizens to take back control from corporate media conglomerates. With this philosophy, he launched Before It’s News as a place where individuals could bypass editorial gatekeepers and speak directly to the public.
Unlike traditional newsrooms that operate with layers of fact-checking and editorial oversight, Kitze’s model was based on openness and speed. If you had a story to tell, you could post it immediately—no editor required. This bold move appealed to whistleblowers, independent thinkers, and those fed up with what they perceived as censorship in mainstream outlets.
Over time, the site became a hub for alternative narratives, drawing content creators and audiences from around the globe. Despite numerous controversies, Kitze has remained a staunch defender of free speech and the platform’s right to exist—even in the face of mounting criticism.
How Has the Platform Evolved Over Time?
When it first launched, Before It’s News was a modest effort with limited traffic and few contributors. But as social media exploded and trust in traditional journalism waned, the platform experienced exponential growth. It became especially popular during high-tension news cycles like elections, pandemics, and global conflicts—times when the public was hungry for alternative interpretations of events.
Initially, the site focused heavily on U.S. politics and conspiracy-related content. But as its readership grew, so did its scope. Today, the platform features articles on health, spirituality, geopolitics, science, technology, and more. The open-submission model means that virtually any topic can find a home here, as long as it doesn’t violate the site’s limited terms of service.
Despite its growing reach, the platform has made few changes to its design or publishing process. It retains a no-frills aesthetic reminiscent of early-2000s websites—text-heavy pages, cluttered headlines, and minimal use of multimedia. Yet, this outdated design hasn’t stopped millions of users from engaging with the content regularly.
Over time, the site has also adapted to algorithmic challenges from platforms like Facebook and Google, which have increasingly cracked down on so-called “fake news.” These shifts have made it harder for Before It’s News to maintain the same level of visibility, pushing the platform to explore alternate traffic sources like direct visits, email lists, and niche online communities.
The Structure and Functionality
How the Website Works
Before It’s News operates on a simple but powerful model: user-generated content without editorial filtering. Anyone can sign up and submit an article. Once approved by moderators—typically only to check for spam or technical issues—the post is live for the world to see.
There’s no hierarchy of content. Whether you’re a veteran contributor with thousands of readers or a newcomer with a single article, your post appears alongside everyone else’s. This egalitarian layout is meant to reflect the site’s core philosophy: all voices are equal, and all stories deserve to be heard.
Navigation is straightforward. Categories such as “Politics,” “Alternative,” “Science,” and “Health” help readers filter content based on their interests. However, the homepage is a chaotic blend of new, trending, and featured stories—often with sensational headlines designed to grab attention.
Each article has a comment section where readers can discuss, debate, and critique the content. While this fosters community engagement, it can also lead to heated arguments and the spread of additional misinformation.
User-Contributed Content and Editorial Freedom
One of the platform’s standout features is its commitment to editorial freedom. Contributors have nearly full control over their content, including the title, body text, and embedded media. This flexibility allows for creativity and speed—an essential combination in the fast-paced world of digital news.
But this freedom also creates risk. Articles are rarely fact-checked or edited for accuracy, grammar, or clarity. It’s not uncommon to find glaring factual errors, logical fallacies, or exaggerated claims within posts. The platform’s “anything goes” attitude has led many critics to label it a breeding ground for fake news.
Still, for content creators who’ve faced censorship on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or mainstream publications, Before It’s News is a refuge. They can post without fear of demonetization or account suspension. This open-door policy is precisely why the site has attracted a diverse group of contributors, from seasoned journalists to conspiracy theorists to passionate hobbyists.
The Type of Content Published
Categories and Topics Covered
The content on Before It’s News spans a vast range of topics. Popular categories include:
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Politics: Insider leaks, election fraud, deep state exposés.
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Health: Natural remedies, vaccine skepticism, anti-Big Pharma narratives.
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Science & Technology: Theoretical physics, suppressed inventions, time travel.
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Paranormal: UFO sightings, alien abductions, spiritual encounters.
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World Events: War predictions, government cover-ups, elite agendas.
Each topic reflects a common theme—skepticism of mainstream explanations and a desire to dig deeper. Readers flock to the platform not just for information, but for interpretations that challenge the status quo.
Virality and Audience Engagement
How Content Goes Viral on the Platform
Before It’s News thrives on virality. But unlike social platforms that depend heavily on algorithms, this site leverages community-driven sharing, niche interest groups, and highly clickable headlines to amplify its reach. Most articles on Before It’s News follow a similar formula: eye-catching titles, emotionally charged language, and provocative claims. This formula doesn’t just grab attention—it compels users to click, read, and most importantly, share.
One of the reasons content goes viral on this platform is the psychological hook. Articles often include phrases like “The government doesn’t want you to know this,” or “This changes everything,” which plays into the reader’s sense of urgency and curiosity. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is real here, and it’s used strategically to encourage immediate engagement.
Contributors also actively promote their work across other platforms—Facebook groups, Telegram channels, Reddit forums, and newsletters. These cross-platform promotions fuel rapid traffic spikes. A well-timed post that aligns with breaking news or a trending controversy can receive tens of thousands of views in a matter of hours.
The comment sections further drive engagement. Spirited discussions, debates, and even heated arguments keep users coming back. These interactive spaces make each article not just a piece of content, but a living conversation, which increases time spent on site—a key indicator for virality and site relevance.
Demographics and Reader Behavior
Who exactly reads Before It’s News? The platform’s audience is as diverse as the content it hosts. But certain patterns emerge. The majority of its readers tend to be:
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Skeptical of mainstream media
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Politically independent or aligned with non-mainstream ideologies
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Interested in alternative health, paranormal, or conspiracy-related content
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Often over the age of 35, based on third-party web analytics
Interestingly, many readers are highly engaged. Unlike passive news consumers who skim headlines, Before It’s News readers dive deep. They scroll through long posts, analyze details, and share insights in the comment sections. This high engagement level keeps the community active and gives the platform staying power, despite its controversial nature.
The Role in Alternative Media
How It Compares to Traditional News Outlets
In the realm of journalism, Before It’s News is often considered a black sheep. Traditional media outlets follow a structured editorial process that involves fact-checking, legal review, journalistic ethics, and balanced reporting. Before It’s News throws that playbook out the window. It replaces “editorial responsibility” with “citizen empowerment.”
While mainstream media prioritizes verified sources and professional standards, Before It’s News offers something entirely different: raw, unfiltered narratives. This unfiltered model has won it fans among people who feel traditional news is scripted, biased, or censored. It positions itself as a counterbalance to the corporate-driven mainstream, highlighting stories that other outlets might ignore or suppress.
However, this also means there’s little accountability for misinformation. In fact, many traditional journalists and watchdog organizations accuse Before It’s News of polluting the media ecosystem with disinformation and pseudoscience. Where a mainstream outlet might retract an error, Before It’s News rarely issues corrections. The burden of verification is entirely on the reader.
Filling the Gaps in Mainstream Coverage
Despite criticisms, Before It’s News does fulfill a real need: giving a voice to underreported topics and marginalized narratives. Whether it’s whistleblower testimony, alternative health approaches, or emerging theories in science and spirituality, the platform opens a space for conversation that mainstream news won’t touch.
For example, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Before It’s News published numerous articles questioning the origin of the virus, the effectiveness of lockdowns, and the safety of vaccines—months before such discussions became mainstream. While many of these articles lacked scientific rigor, they tapped into public concern and spurred wider discourse.
The site also allows for real-time grassroots reporting. During political rallies, natural disasters, or civil unrest, citizen journalists upload firsthand videos, photos, and commentary before official news crews even arrive. This immediacy can sometimes result in accurate on-the-ground reporting—though again, it’s unfiltered and unverified.
Controversies and Criticisms
Accusations of Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories
Before It’s News is no stranger to controversy. It has been repeatedly criticized for spreading conspiracy theories and unverified claims. Topics such as chemtrails, 5G mind control, secret government clones, and alien invasions are not only common—they’re often front-page features. To skeptics and watchdogs, this undermines the site’s credibility entirely.
Numerous fact-checking organizations have flagged Before It’s News as a major hub of misinformation. Articles are often cited in disinformation studies, and the platform has been blacklisted by several advertising networks and social media algorithms for promoting harmful or misleading content.
The biggest problem? There’s virtually no editorial oversight. Contributors can post almost anything, from pseudoscientific medical advice to claims of impending global apocalypse. These stories are often presented as fact, with no disclaimers or counterpoints. This free-for-all model has led to accusations that the platform spreads fear, distrust, and confusion—especially during global crises or election seasons.
Reactions from Media Watchdogs and Fact-Checkers
Fact-checking bodies like Snopes, Media Bias/Fact Check, and PolitiFact have all criticized Before It’s News. The site is often ranked as “very low” on factual reporting, and it has been described as “questionable,” “satirical,” or “conspiratorial” by media analysts.
Mainstream journalists and academics argue that the platform’s content contributes to the erosion of public trust in science, journalism, and democracy. They warn that unchecked platforms like Before It’s News can radicalize readers, fuel social division, and promote dangerous behavior.
In response, Before It’s News has remained defiant. Its operators claim that censorship efforts by tech giants and media watchdogs are part of a broader attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative. They frame themselves not as purveyors of fake news, but as warriors for free speech under siege.
SEO Strategy and Online Visibility
How Before It’s News Ranks So Well on Search Engines
For a site so heavily criticized, Before It’s News enjoys surprisingly strong visibility on search engines. This is largely due to savvy SEO practices. Contributors are encouraged to use keywords liberally, especially in headlines and meta descriptions. Articles are often long-form, which search engines favor. And each post includes multiple tags, categories, and related links that enhance discoverability.
The platform also benefits from sheer volume. With thousands of contributors posting daily, the site is constantly refreshed with new content—a key factor in Google’s ranking algorithms. Even though its domain authority may be questionable, the freshness and relevance of content keep it indexed.
Moreover, many articles target specific niches. Instead of broad topics, contributors write about unique, lesser-covered angles—what SEO professionals call “long-tail keywords.” For example, instead of writing about “vaccine safety,” a contributor might title their article, “New Evidence from German Doctor Shows Alarming Nanoparticles in Moderna Vaccine.” These types of headlines are SEO gold in the world of alternative media.
Keyword Usage, Backlinking, and Viral Tactics
Before It’s News excels at keyword stuffing and headline optimization. Most articles repeat key phrases throughout the body text, ensuring strong matches for search engine crawlers. Backlinks are another important tool. Contributors often link to their own blogs, YouTube channels, and affiliate products, which builds authority over time.
The platform also uses viral tactics like embedding share buttons, crafting highly emotional titles, and creating urgency through phrases like “You must see this before it’s deleted!” These triggers are psychologically proven to drive clicks, shares, and deeper engagement.
Unlike more polished media outlets, Before It’s News doesn’t hide its marketing tricks. The entire model is based on maximizing reach, and SEO is at the heart of that strategy.
Monetization and Business Model
Advertising on the Platform
Before It’s News may position itself as a people-powered news alternative, but at the end of the day, it’s still a business—and like most online media platforms, it monetizes through advertising. Ads on the site are plentiful. From sidebar banners and pop-ups to in-text ads and video overlays, it’s clear that ad revenue plays a significant role in keeping the lights on.
Because of the controversial nature of the content, however, Before It’s News doesn’t rely on premium advertisers like CNN or The New York Times might. Instead, it hosts ads from lesser-known networks and direct deals. Often, these ads promote products and services that align with the interests of the site’s readership—think survival gear, alternative health supplements, conspiracy-themed books, and privacy protection tools.
In many cases, ads can look almost indistinguishable from actual content. This native advertising tactic blurs the line between editorial and sponsored material, increasing click-through rates and revenue, but also raising ethical concerns. Critics argue that this model exploits readers’ trust and makes it harder to distinguish fact from fiction.
Affiliate Marketing and Sponsored Posts
Beyond display ads, Before It’s News leans heavily into affiliate marketing. Contributors are free to include affiliate links in their articles, promoting everything from essential oils and EMF protection devices to “miracle” cures and alternative investment opportunities. When readers click these links and make a purchase, the contributor earns a commission—sometimes splitting the profit with the platform.
This open affiliate model has created a goldmine for savvy marketers who understand how to stir emotions and drive conversions. Many articles on the site aren’t just informational—they’re sales funnels disguised as news. They play on readers’ fears, hopes, or distrust in mainstream institutions, leading them to products that promise safety, truth, or transformation.
Sponsored posts are also a part of the business model. For a fee, companies or individuals can have their content featured more prominently, increasing visibility and traffic. While this offers revenue potential, it also further muddies the waters between journalism and promotion. Readers are rarely informed when a piece is paid for, which undermines transparency and trust.
Social Media Integration
How It Leverages Social Platforms
Social media plays a crucial role in amplifying Before It’s News content. Even though platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and YouTube have implemented policies to combat misinformation, Before It’s News still finds ways to thrive in the social sphere.
Contributors often promote their articles on private Facebook groups, Telegram channels, Discord communities, and alternative platforms like Gab, Truth Social, and Rumble. These ecosystems are full of users who already distrust mainstream narratives and are eager to consume and share counter-mainstream content. A single viral post in one of these groups can bring tens of thousands of views to an article.
The platform itself provides easy-share buttons and encourages readers to post articles across their networks. Titles are crafted with clickbait precision—capital letters, emotional hooks, and provocative language—which perform especially well on platforms where attention spans are short and the competition for eyeballs is fierce.
Challenges with Algorithmic Suppression
Despite its resourcefulness, Before It’s News isn’t immune to the tightening noose of algorithmic suppression. Over the past few years, major platforms have taken significant steps to demote or outright ban content linked to disinformation or harmful conspiracy theories. As a result, links from Before It’s News are less likely to appear in users’ feeds, and contributors have seen their engagement drop dramatically.
This suppression has led to ongoing complaints from both readers and writers. They argue that “big tech” is censoring dissenting voices under the guise of safety and misinformation control. In response, the platform and its contributors have doubled down on alternative distribution methods—email newsletters, RSS feeds, and peer-to-peer sharing.
Interestingly, this sense of persecution has only strengthened community ties. The narrative that their voice is being silenced by powerful elites creates a “us versus them” mentality that fuels loyalty and motivates users to support the platform even more aggressively.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Freedom of Speech vs. Responsibility
One of the most pressing questions around Before It’s News is: where do we draw the line between free speech and social responsibility? The platform operates under the banner of the First Amendment, giving users the freedom to share their thoughts without fear of censorship. But with that freedom comes the potential for harm—especially when misinformation spreads unchecked.
There have been multiple instances where articles on Before It’s News promoted false medical information, baseless accusations against public figures, or outright conspiracy theories that contributed to public panic. Critics argue that by allowing this content to flourish, the platform is complicit in spreading fear, mistrust, and even violence.
Supporters counter that the responsibility lies with readers. They argue that people should have the right to choose what information they consume and believe. They see editorial gatekeeping as a slippery slope toward authoritarianism and believe that even “bad ideas” should have a platform if we truly value free expression.
Legal Actions and Platform Policies
So far, Before It’s News has managed to avoid major legal battles, largely because of its classification as a user-generated content site. According to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act in the U.S., platforms are not held liable for content posted by users—as long as they don’t heavily moderate or curate that content.
That legal shield has protected the site from defamation suits and regulatory crackdowns, but it’s also under increasing scrutiny. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have called for reforms to Section 230, arguing that platforms like Before It’s News should be held accountable for hosting dangerous or false information.
Internally, the platform does have some policies against illegal or harmful content (such as child pornography or explicit violence), but enforcement is minimal. Most moderation is reactive rather than proactive, and there’s little transparency about how decisions are made or who makes them.
Reader Trust and Credibility
How Readers Perceive Before It’s News
Trust is a complex issue when it comes to Before It’s News. For critics, the platform is a digital Wild West where anything goes. But for loyal readers, it’s a sanctuary—one of the few places where “the truth” hasn’t been diluted or censored.
Surveys and user comments reveal that many regular visitors to the site don’t trust mainstream media outlets, believing them to be tools of political, corporate, or globalist agendas. To these readers, the very fact that Before It’s News is controversial makes it credible. If it’s being attacked by the mainstream, they reason, it must be doing something right.
This dynamic creates an echo chamber, where skepticism of the mainstream leads to blind faith in alternative sources—regardless of accuracy. Even when articles are demonstrably false, readers may cling to them if they fit an existing worldview or confirm long-held suspicions.
Efforts (If Any) to Improve Credibility
Has Before It’s News tried to boost its credibility? To a limited extent. The site has occasionally updated its guidelines and improved its backend systems to reduce spam. There’s a rudimentary ranking system that highlights “top contributors,” giving more visibility to repeat posters with large followings.
However, these efforts fall short of actual editorial reform. There’s no consistent fact-checking, no content warnings, and no verified author system. As a result, anyone can claim to be a doctor, expert, or insider without evidence. And for a platform that traffics in conspiracy theories, that kind of anonymity is both a feature and a flaw.
Most signs suggest that the platform is more focused on maintaining its open model than improving its journalistic standards. It sees itself not as a newsroom, but as a marketplace of ideas—where good and bad coexist, and it’s up to the consumer to decide what to believe.